Wilson Urges President Bush to Immediately Suspend Davis-Bacon Act in Florida

Wilson Urges President Bush to Immediately Suspend Davis-Bacon Act in Florida

Washington, Oct 28 - Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) and twenty-seven other members of Congress sent a letter to President Bush to encourage him to accelerate Hurricane Wilma recovery efforts by temporarily suspending the Davis-Bacon Act. Congressman Wilson made the following remarks about this vital request:

"Over the past decade, Floridians have found themselves in the wake of hurricanes that have damaged their homes, destroyed their businesses, and devastated their communities. Last year, an unprecedented four hurricanes tore through the state, resulting in over $22.9 billion in damages.

"The people of Florida are now beginning to recover from Hurricane Wilma, a category 3 storm which left over 3.2 million homes and businesses without power. The early costs of Hurricane Wilma have been estimated at between $9 billion and $12 billion. As state officials begin to assess the aftermath of this disaster, the President has a unique opportunity to help accelerate the reconstruction process by temporarily suspending the Davis-Bacon Act.

"This suspension would significantly reduce reconstruction costs, and greatly benefit local workers. As Floridians begin to rebuild their communities, we are urging President Bush to support our request."

The Davis-Bacon Act as amended, requires that each contract over $2,000 to which the United States or the District of Columbia is a party for the construction, alteration, or repair of public buildings or public works shall contain a clause setting forth the minimum wages to be paid to various classes of laborers and mechanics employed under the contract. Under the provisions of the Act, contractors or their subcontractors are to pay workers employed directly upon the site of the work no less than the locally prevailing wages and fringe benefits paid on projects of a similar character. The Davis-Bacon Act directs the Secretary of Labor to determine such local prevailing wage rates. (www.gpo.gov)

http://joewilson.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=36377